Things to do in Mount Isa - travel guide

Mt Isa

Known as 'the oasis of the outback', Mount Isa is situated on the banks of the Leichhardt River, in north west Queensland. This mining hub is the world’s largest single producer of copper, silver, lead and zinc, and home to the Mount Isa Rodeo, the biggest rodeo in the southern hemisphere.

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Places to stay

Choose from a range of accomodation options in and around Mt Isa city centre including modern hotels, motels and welcoming pub-style rooms. For a restful nights sleep stay at one of the campgrounds, holiday parks or hotels in town like the RedEarth Boutique Hotel, which offers balcony rooms and spa suites, or the Burke and Wills Mt Isa Motel. If you're visiting Boodjamulla National Park, stay at Adels Grove in the campground or in one of the furnished tent rooms.

If you’re in town to experience the legendary Mount Isa Rodeo, its best to book accomodation in advance as the mining town draws crowds from far and wide to celebrate the famous outback event.

Things to do

A visit to Queensland’s cowboy capital is all about embracing the mining life, celebrating history and appreciating the unique culture of the land. From underground tours and helicopter rides over the towering mine stack to the earth-shaking underground explosions felt through town twice a day, it’s all part of the authentic Aussie outback experience.

To get an idea of the expansive reach of the red terrain around Mt Isa, visit the City Lookout. It’s especially popular in the early evening when you can watch the sun set against the silhouettes of the mine stack.

Spend a day at ‘Outback at Isa’ and explore the underground tunnels, machinery and history of local mining with a tour of Hard Times Mine. Then head over to the Mount Isa Underground Hospital, built by off-duty miners during the Second World War, and learn about 1930's life at Beth Anderson Museum.

Held annually in August, the Mt Isa Rodeo dates back to 1959. As the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo, it’s packed full of events like bull riding and bareback bronc, plus a week long program of entertainment, most of which is included in the cost of your rodeo ticket.

Where to go

Discover more to see in the North West

Lake Moondarra and Boodjamulla National Park

Hit the road and explore the expanses of rugged terrain, national parks, history and waterways. You won’t need to drive far to reach Lake Moondarra on the Leichhardt River, only 20km north of Mount Isa. This local favourite is the recreational hub of the region and offers canoeing, boating, water-skiing and fishing. Bring a picnic, catch a barramundi or escape the heat with a swim in the cool, fresh water.

Discover more to see in the North West

Plan your visit to the national park

Boodjamulla National Park

Drive further and explore Boodjamulla National Park, where tropical flowers and palm fronds decorate the photogenic Lawn Hill Creek. Within the national park you’ll also find Riversleigh World Heritage Site - the most important known fossil mammal deposit in Australia, and one of the most significant in the world. Here you can follow the Riversleigh Fossil Trail and get close to mammal fossils dating back a staggering 25 million years.

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Car hire information

Getting around

From the airport: Mount Isa Airport is located approximately 8km from the city centre. Taxis, rental cars, coaches and hotel shuttle services are available from the terminal, advance booking is recommended.

In and around the city: The best way to explore Mount Isa is by rental car. United Cab Company services the region, with taxi ranks at the Mount Isa Airport and outside Kmart in Atherton Street.

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Important information

Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).

Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.

Disclaimer: ^∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.

Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 26 April 2023, but is subject to change. Before booking and departure, ensure you check the latest travel requirements.

Disclaimer: # You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.